Technology

10 Reasons to Turn Off Your Laptop

Laptops are great for tons of reasons, like giving you the option to watch Netflix from bed or work from your backyard. But every great technology has its downsides, and laptops are no exception. Here are 10 reasons you should turn your laptop off.

1. It may make men infertile.

Strange but true fact: using a laptop could affect male fertility. One study published in Fertility and Sterility found that using a laptop on a man’s lap elevated the temperature of his testicles by 2.5 degrees Celsius. Elevated scrotum temperature had been shown in previous research to damage sperm. That said, you’re probably fine unless you have your laptop in that region constantly.

Staring at all technology is bad for your eyes, and laptops are no exception. In fact, one study from the American Academy of Optometry found that working just 2 hours on a laptop increased vision problems – and most of us spend all day looking at one. There’s even a name for it: computer vision syndrome, and symptoms include dry eyes or blurry vision.

4. It’s bad for your back.

Laptops might be great for portability, but not for your back, neck or shoulders! Due to the way laptops are designed, when the screen is at the right height the keyboard is too high – but if the keyboard is positioned correctly the screen is too low. It’s basically impossible to use a laptop in the right position for your back without getting an extra stand for it (or a separate keyboard).

5. It’s bad for your wrists.

The design of a laptop is also harmful to your hands. Pressing your wrists onto the hard edge of the laptop cuts off circulation, causing wrist and finger pain. Typing in awkward positions can also hasten the onset or carpal tunnel syndrome.

6. It exposes you to EMFs.

Ever heard of EMFs? They’re electromagnetic frequencies, basically low levels of radiation emitted by all of your devices. It’s not enough to assume your laptop is giving you cancer – but it’s not great for your health. Consider investing in a device that protects you from EMFs.

7. It’s upping your stress levels.

Sure, your laptop is great for finding websites to help you relax. Unfortunately, it also is full of anxiety-inducing stressors: think social media notifications and work emails. The only way to protect yourself from this stress? You’ve got to unplug – and that means turning the laptop off.

8. It’s giving you a headache.

Remember when we said using a laptop can give you vision problems? One side effect from the strain on your eyes is a headache. You’re also likely to get a headache because of all the tension in your neck, which comes from holding your head in one position for hours on end.

9. It’s summer!

There’s a reason you feel guilty for binge-watching House of Cards on a beautiful June day. Summer weather doesn’t last forever – especially summer weather that’s pleasant instead of stifling. Take advantage of the season, turn off your laptop and do all of those free outdoor activities now. You’ll regret it in November when the first wave of cabin fever sets in.

10. It’s good for your laptop.

Actually, this one is debatable. If you’re using your laptop constantly throughout the day, shutting it off every time can actually stress it out and shorten its lifespan. But it’s a good idea to turn your laptop off when you’re ready to bed down for the evening. You’ll save energy and electricity, plus many programs work better after a reboot.

Laptops are great for tons of reasons, like giving you the option to watch Netflix from bed or work from your backyard. But every great technology has its downsides, and laptops are no exception. Here are 10 reasons you should turn your laptop off.

1. It may make men infertile.

Strange but true fact: using a laptop could affect male fertility. One study published in Fertility and Sterility found that using a laptop on a man’s lap elevated the temperature of his testicles by 2.5 degrees Celsius. Elevated scrotum temperature had been shown in previous research to damage sperm. That said, you’re probably fine unless you have your laptop in that region constantly.

Staring at all technology is bad for your eyes, and laptops are no exception. In fact, one study from the American Academy of Optometry found that working just 2 hours on a laptop increased vision problems – and most of us spend all day looking at one. There’s even a name for it: computer vision syndrome, and symptoms include dry eyes or blurry vision.

4. It’s bad for your back.

Laptops might be great for portability, but not for your back, neck or shoulders! Due to the way laptops are designed, when the screen is at the right height the keyboard is too high – but if the keyboard is positioned correctly the screen is too low. It’s basically impossible to use a laptop in the right position for your back without getting an extra stand for it (or a separate keyboard).

5. It’s bad for your wrists.

The design of a laptop is also harmful to your hands. Pressing your wrists onto the hard edge of the laptop cuts off circulation, causing wrist and finger pain. Typing in awkward positions can also hasten the onset or carpal tunnel syndrome.

6. It exposes you to EMFs.

Ever heard of EMFs? They’re electromagnetic frequencies, basically low levels of radiation emitted by all of your devices. It’s not enough to assume your laptop is giving you cancer – but it’s not great for your health. Consider investing in a device that protects you from EMFs.

7. It’s upping your stress levels.

Sure, your laptop is great for finding websites to help you relax. Unfortunately, it also is full of anxiety-inducing stressors: think social media notifications and work emails. The only way to protect yourself from this stress? You’ve got to unplug – and that means turning the laptop off.

8. It’s giving you a headache.

Remember when we said using a laptop can give you vision problems? One side effect from the strain on your eyes is a headache. You’re also likely to get a headache because of all the tension in your neck, which comes from holding your head in one position for hours on end.

9. It’s summer!

There’s a reason you feel guilty for binge-watching House of Cards on a beautiful June day. Summer weather doesn’t last forever – especially summer weather that’s pleasant instead of stifling. Take advantage of the season, turn off your laptop and do all of those free outdoor activities now. You’ll regret it in November when the first wave of cabin fever sets in.

10. It’s good for your laptop.

Actually, this one is debatable. If you’re using your laptop constantly throughout the day, shutting it off every time can actually stress it out and shorten its lifespan. But it’s a good idea to turn your laptop off when you’re ready to bed down for the evening. You’ll save energy and electricity, plus many programs work better after a reboot.